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Writing an Effective Thesis statement. What is a thesis statement?. Short 1-2 sentence statement Gives an opinion about a topic Directly answers the prompt Clearly written Usually at the end of the introductory paragraph. Why is it important?. Keeps you focused and organized
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What is a thesis statement? • Short 1-2 sentence statement • Gives an opinion about a topic • Directly answers the prompt • Clearly written • Usually at the end of the introductory paragraph
Why is it important? • Keeps you focused and organized • Helps the reader understand the point of your essay • First thing they look for on the writing HSPE
How do I write one? • Read the essay prompt carefully • Do your brainstorming/prewriting • Follow the 4 Steps
Step 1: Identify your Topic • Prompt: Write a five paragraph essay that explains whether or not you believe global warming to be a serious issue that effects our planet. Use evidence to justify your position. • What is the Topic?Global Warming
Step 2: State your Opinion • Global warming is a serious problem
Step 3: Use ‘the Rule of Three’ • Why is global warming a serious problem? 1. It could cause drought and famine 2. Flooding could damage property 3. Rising sea levels = large scale migration away from coastal regions
Step 4: Write your Thesis In my opinion, global warming is a serious problem because it could cause famine, large scale destruction of property, and mass migration from coastal urban areas.
Topic vs. Thesis • Topic: The War on Terror • Opinion: The government’s reaction to the War on Terror has made our lives less private. • Thesis: One majorconsequence of America’s War on Terror has been the erosion of its citizen’s right to privacy.
Examples • In my opinion, mandatory military service would teach young people discipline, benefit the community, and make our country safer. • In my opinion, the death penalty is immoral because innocent people could be executed, it is applied in a racist manner, and it doesn’t appear to deter crime. • Giving every student a laptop computer will help young people to communicate with teachers, improve their research skills, and get better grades.
Common Mistakes 1. Making an announcement: • I want to share some of my thoughts with you about the use of cell phones in schools. 2. Just stating a topic: • Drug use in schools. 3. Making it too broad: • Drug addiction is a big problem. 4. Making it too narrow: • Drug addiction has had a massive impact in the hygiene of third generation Irish American vegan democrats.
Practice #1 • In your opinion, what changes could the United States make to its failed War on Drugs in order to improve the quality of life for its citizens?